Wisconsin will raise Frank Kaminsky's No. 44 to Kohl Center rafters

Frank Kaminsky led Wisconsin to back-to-back Final Fours in 2014 and '15. The number he wore - 44 - will remain in circulation at UW but also will hang in the rafters at the Kohl Center in honor of his accomplishments.(Photo: Rick Wood / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)Buy Photo

Kaminsky, who is in his third season with the Charlotte Hornets, is scheduled to travel to Madison during the NBA all-star break to take part in the celebration. The No. 44 will remain in circulation at UW but the night is meant to honor Kaminsky’s accomplishments during his four seasons, which included leading the Badgers to back-to-back Final Fours.

“When I committed to play at Wisconsin, I had big dreams about what my time on campus would be like,” Kaminsky said in a release. “Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine having my number hanging in the Kohl Center rafters.

“I’m truly honored by this recognition and I can’t wait to come back to Madison in February. My hope is that my number can serve as a symbol of all the great teammates, coaches and staff members I was lucky enough to be around every day, but also the best fans in the world who supported us during our run. This is truly a dream come true.”

Kaminsky averaged 18.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 blocks per game as a senior in 2014-’15 – all team-high marks.

He led UW into the national title game and became the only UW player to win the Wooden Award, Naismith Trophy, Oscar Robertson Trophy and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award. He was also named 2015 National Player of the Year by the Associated Press, The Sporting News and USA Today.

“We are thrilled that Frank will be back in the Kohl Center for this special recognition of all that he accomplished as a student-athlete,” UW athletic director Barry Alvarez said in a release. “His years with our basketball program were truly special and I am very pleased that we will be able to honor him in this way.”